Sports

From The NFL To The MLB, Athletes Weigh In On Colin Kaepernick Refusing To Stand For The National Anthem

#Colin Kaepernick
by Last Updated

So by now you are well aware that Colin Kaepernick chose not to stand during the National Anthem in last night’s Niners-Packers preseason game. Following the game, the 28-year-old released a statement in which he attributed his decision to the oppression of black people in America–“There are bodies in the street and people getting paid leave and getting away with murder.”

His decision was met with ire from Victor Cruz to military personnel to this average joe who burned his Kaep jersey. The majority of people saw it as an entitled move by a millionaire athlete and a slight of those who suffered for this country. Some saw it not as a personal rebuff on military members but a brave critique on our nation’s ideals and principles.

Whatever your stance, it’s uncomfortable enough for this country to have a discussion on these  nuanced issues especially in the age of hyper-sensitivism. When you bring politics into an arena that’s solely intended for entertainment, it’s going to be met with disdain–kinda like bringing the kid with a cold sore to the blunt circle. I guess it all comes down to one question: how badly you wanna smoke?

Here are some prominent athlete reactions to Kaepernick’s decision, starting with the negative.

New York Giants offensive lineman Justin Pugh:

Former Broncos offensive lineman Tyler Polumbus:

Former NFL QB Matt Hasselbeck:

https://twitter.com/Hasselbeck/status/769519704008429568

Cincinatti Bengals tight end Tyler Eifert:

Former MLB infielder/outfielder Aubrey Huff:

St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Mitch Harris:

https://twitter.com/Mitch_Harris2/status/769557304568086528

Now the positive.

Miami Dolphins running back Arian Foster:

Atlanta Falcons defensive end Adrian Clayborn:

Former New England Patriots offensive lineman Damien Woody:

Former Giants running back Tiki Barber:

[h/t FTW]

Matt Keohan Avatar
Matt’s love of writing was born during a sixth grade assembly when it was announced that his essay titled “Why Drugs Are Bad” had taken first prize in D.A.R.E.’s grade-wide contest. The anti-drug people gave him a $50 savings bond for his brave contribution to crime-fighting, and upon the bond’s maturity 10 years later, he used it to buy his very first bag of marijuana.
Tags